Introduction: summary of LHC physics

In this chapter we give a very condensed summary of LHC physics. We assume that the reader has a basic familiarity with the Standard Model of electroweak and strong interactions. We summarize here some easily accessible basic references to introductory material. In ref. [1] an introduction to the Standard Electroweak theory can be found, together with a summary of precision tests, and hints on physics bejond the Standard Model. A very basic introduction to the theory of strong interaction can be found in refs. [2]. Summaries on the Electroweak and strong interaction, as well as on experimental methods, can be found in the reviews of the Particle Data Group, available at the URL http://pdg.lbl.gov.